Today’s Reading: Deuteronomy 9–11; Psalm 81

It is because of God’s grace that the people of Israel experienced victory over their enemies, not because of their own righteousness. It is because of God’s undeserved favor in our lives that we experience His blessings, not because of anything we have done to earn His love. I am overwhelmed with gratitude this morning that God crosses over ahead of us, that He allows us to experience His presence, that He sets out a road for us to follow. I will choose to love Him, serve Him and obey Him.

“…But recognize today that the Lord your God is the one who will cross over ahead of you like a devouring fire…Don’t say in your hearts, ‘The Lord has given us this land because we are such good people!’ No…it is not because you are so good or have such integrity…You must recognize that the Lord your God is not giving you this land because you are good, for you are not – you are a stubborn people.” – Deut. 9:3-6

So now Israel, what do you think God expects from you? Just this: LIVE IN HIS PRESENCE in holy reverence, follow the road he sets out for you, love him, serve God, your God, with everything you have in you, obey the commandments and regulations of God that I’m commanding you today—live a good life.

Look around you: Everything you see is God’s—the heavens above and beyond, the Earth, and everything on it. But it was your ancestors who God fell in love with; he picked their children—that’s you!—out of all the other peoples. That’s where we are right now. So cut away the thick calluses from your heart and stop being so willfully hardheaded. God, your God, is the God of all gods, he’s the Master of all masters, a God immense and powerful and awesome. He doesn’t play favorites, takes no bribes, makes sure orphans and widows are treated fairly, takes loving care of foreigners by seeing that they get food and clothing.

You must treat foreigners with the same loving care—
remember, you were once foreigners in Egypt.
Reverently respect God, your God, serve him, hold tight to him, back up your promises with the authority of his name.
He’s your praise! He’s your God!
He did all these tremendous, these staggering things
that you saw with your own eyes.
When your ancestors entered Egypt, they numbered a mere seventy souls. And now look at you—you look more like the stars in the night skies in number. And your God did it. – Deuteronomy 10:12-17 (The Message)

Father God, I cannot help but laugh out loud at your goodness! My heart is overflowing with all you have done! Thank you for being a generous God, even when we fail and struggle. Lord, thank you for the privilege to be called to holiness, to be set apart for your glory and for your excellence. We feast in your presence this morning as we rejoice in all you have accomplished! Fill us with your strength and your righteousness today, we pray.

Lord, we take this time to pray for our country. We know we are not a nation that deserves your blessings. Please forgive us for our hardheadedness and cut away our thick calluses. Help us to find a balance between protecting our freedoms and protecting our country. Help us to always be a refuge for those in need, to be compassionate towards ALL people. You are a God immense and powerful and awesome, taking loving care of all your children. Give us hearts that extend that same love to one another, treating foreigners with the same loving care we receive from you. Amen.